Politics Plus

Yesterday, I slept most of the day on and off, leaving me quite groggy this morning.  This is today’s only article, as I have to leave for an ultrasound on my bad leg.  I’m not current with replies, but will cat65ch up soon.  Barring unforeseen circumstances,  I’ll be blogging normally tomorrow.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:51 (average 4:54).  To do it, click here.  How did you do.

Short Takes:

From MoveOn: 10 Things The Romney Campaign Doesn’t Want You To Know About Paul Ryan

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

From NY Times: The party that claims to have all the answers on Medicare seemed to have no interest in sharing them with the American people at its convention on Wednesday. The session, devoted to the theme of “We Can Change It,” never went any deeper than that slogan or a few others: Reform Medicare. Strengthen Medicare. Protect Medicare.

All without the slightest hint of how that supposed reform or strengthening would take place, regarding that program and many others. “We will not duck the tough issues; we will lead,” said Representative Paul Ryan, in his speech accepting the vice-presidential nomination. “We will not spend four years blaming others; we will take responsibility.”

Sounds great, except that the speech ducked the tough issues and blamed others for the problems.

Also consider this.

Never have I seen a more dishonest political speech!

From Upworthy (Hat-Tip Lynn Squance):

Complete accuracy plus eye candy for the ladies.

Cartoon:

Comparing his successor to him is enough to make a person throw up.

Yesterday cutting the cyst from my foot was routine.  There is little enough pain that I decline anesthetic.  Hours of pins and needles would be far more annoying.  I received a call from my cardiologist yesterday, and I passed my echocardiogram and nuclear stress test.  Good news is always welcome.  Today is a prison volunteer day, and that gives me an ideal location for the Republican festivities in Tampa: far from a TV.  I have this and one other article, but doubt that I can distribute links today.  I am still not current with replies, but will catch up before I leave, if I can.   Tomorrow is uncertain, because I will miss sleep today and return home late tonight.  What I do depends on how I feel.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:02 (average 5:14).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From MoveOn: 30 Seconds After You Click This, You’ll Know The Truth About Mitt Romney And Paul Ryan

This is not news, but too many do not know it yet!

From Business Week: That maternal presence — and her experience with raising five sons — has helped her connect with average voters in a way that comes less naturally for her husband, Mitt Romney.

Her challenge today at the Republican National Convention in Tampa — her biggest stage yet — will be to humanize her husband for Americans who haven’t so far found him very likable. She needs to show that he’s more than a former private equity executive good with numbers, and that he cares about their needs.

She faces an impossible task to make that lie credible.

From YouTube: I HAVE A DREAM… MARTIN LUTHER KING – August 28 1963

49 years ago, this holds historic memories for the nation and for me.

Cartoon:

I had another bad night from COPD, but I do have three articles today.  I’m current with replies.  Tomorrow I have my quarterly appointment for minor foot surgery, so it is likely I’ll have an Open Thread at most.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:37 (average 4:17).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From MoveOn: Al Franken’s Awesome Quote On Why Republicans Are Like 4-Year-Olds

I could not have explained this difference between nationalism and authentic patriotism better.

From NY Times: Republicans on Saturday canceled the opening day of their national convention, saying their first concern was for the safety of delegates and guests in the face of Tropical Storm Isaac, which is strengthening and is headed toward Florida’s West Coast.

Excellent! There is a God! 😉

From Business Week: On the eve of their national party conventions, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are locked in a close race to amass the requisite 270 Electoral College votes for victory. And the contest is exactly where it was at the start of the long, volatile summer: focused on seven states that are up for grabs.

Neither candidate has a significant advantage in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, New Hampshire and Virginia, which offer a combined 85 electoral votes, according to an Associated Press analysis of public and private polls, spending on television advertising and numerous interviews with Republican and Democratic strategists in battleground states.

As a result those seven states will get almost all the attention and economic benefit from the campaigns. That’s one of the reasons I prefer a national popular vote.

Cartoon:

Republicans would LOVE to repeal this one!

Yesterday I caught up on blogging, at last.  I’m current with replies.  Tomorrow I may be late getting everything out, because I have a fantasy football draft in the morning. Thoughts and prayers, please, for the New York City shooting victims and their families.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:48 (average 5:14).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From MoveOn: Willy Wonka Has An Important Question About Paul Ryan

That is a subject Willard wants us to forget!

From MSNBC: Rewriting the battle for the craziest Republican

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

They all need a time out, and lets not forget Batshit B and Drill Baby Dingbat!

From Politicus USA: One may be inclined to excuse talk of rebellion as angry rhetoric from a fringe element in the tea party, but a Virginia Republican Committee newsletter [Republican extremists delinked] has called for armed revolution if President Obama is re-elected in November.

This is the kind of vile rhetoric that inspires crazies with guns to commit hate crimes.

Cartoon:

Now Republicans are doing so.